Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The Red Thread that binds us

Truly, madly, deeply ... That's how in love I am with The Red Thread. I dare you to pay a visit to their website, and NOT feel exactly the same way!

The Red Thread is the name attached to the wonderful works of Sydney artist Lisa Tilse. Lisa creates pieces including one-off, commissioned and limited edition artworks, handcrafted cards and Sweetie Petites doll kits (more on exactly what they are later).

Firstly, a little about the rather enigmatic name of the business. According to an ancient Chinese belief, an invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The red thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break. Lisa named her venture The Red Thread after she and her husband adopted their daughter, Roxy from China. As Lisa says, "There is no doubt that this amazing little girl, born half a world away, was absolutely meant to be our daughter. The red thread connected us and she’s the light of our lives." (I just thought this was the most beautiful sentiment, and a moving expression of Lisa and her husband's love for Roxy).

I must say, the commissioned children's portraits (see one of her daughter, above) that Lisa paints left me completely astounded - but please note, she's not currently taking orders for these - no doubt she has an overwhelming backlog! I know it's really mean to tease ... but take a look at the enchanting likeness she conjures up, after studying photos of her subject! Here's a photo ...

And here is Lisa's creation!

You may not be able to get your hands on a portrait right now, but these Sweetie Petites doll kits will ease the pain. The kits contain all you need to make a doll yourself: printed fabric panels, stuffing, ribbon loops and sewing instructions. Each one has its name printed on the back. The Sweeties can be sewn by hand or machine, and are an ideal project for a beginner, or for a parent or grandparent to make with a child. Meet two of the five Sweeties:

Or you might rather like the Sushi Bird Tiles. Colourful birds cut from Japanese papers nestle on an illustration, and are mounted on a natural timber tile, finished in a semi-gloss varnish. Individually created by hand, no two will ever be the same.

The Wood You Believe range of artworks from The Red Thread are just as exquisuite, and highly original. Vintage illustrations and handpainted and stamped graphics are mixed up to create quirky contemporary montages. A quotation is handwritten around the edge of each piece. Here's one I found on the website that hasn't yet been snapped up. Be quick!

And I couldn't sign off without beckoning you over to take a gander at one of the timber greeting cards.

I've only touched on a few creations here from The Red Thread's range, and there are many more pieces created by Lisa Tilse that will capture your heart. Her amazing eye is highly sought after: she regularly collaborates with stylists and interior designers to create unique art for their clients, and she also works from home as a graphic designer. Oh, to have half the creative talent Lisa has in her little finger! To read about what inspires her works, visit The Red Thread blog here.

Why not check out The Red Thread stall at Mathilda's Market in Sydney on Sunday 2 May.

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Unique. Stylish. Beautiful kids stuff. That's what Mathilda's Market is all about. Everything is exquisitely and lovingly handmade, or comes from a small production line. Truly a kids shopping heaven. Mathilda's Markets are held in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra.www.mathildasmarket.com.au